charlie sheen replacement two and a half men

Is it time for yet another Charlie Sheen meltdown? After it was announced last week that Ashton Kutcher would be replacing him in 'Two and a Half Men,' Sheen was quick to publicly mock the decision. He called the star of 'That '70s Show' a "sweetheart," but added that Kutcher would bring the show down.

However, despite his public show of gravitas, a source close to Sheen tells Popeater that privately he's "destroyed" by the casting news.

"He really thought that he would be invited back," a friend of Charlie's tells me. "After years of suffering no consequences for his behavior, why would he think anything else? Finally it has sunk in that he doesn't live by different rules to everyone else. Actions do have a consequences."

UPDATE:The Hollywood Reporter has just confirmed that Ashton Kutcher will replace Charlie Sheen on 'Two and a Half Men.' The Hollywood trade reported that "two sources close to the deal-making (said) that the actor is putting the final touches on a deal to replace Charlie Sheen ... The exact dollar figure he will be paid is not known but a source says Kutcher is getting a 'huge payday'."

Earlier: The soap opera known as 'Two and a Half Men' keeps getting better and better. No, we don't mean the TV show, we mean the behind-the-scenes casting show.

TV Squad previously reported that Brit Hugh Grant had been in negotiations to replace errant Charlie Sheen in the blockbuster series that has been gilding Warner Bros.' and CBS' coffers for years. The latest news, however, is that Grant is out and -- ready for this? -- Ashton Kutcher is next in line for the role.

Grant's name reportedly came up about a month ago and CBS boss Les Moonves and CBS entertainment president Nina Tassler thought it was a good idea. Talks began and, allegedly, Grant was offered $1 million per episode (though later, insiders at WB downplayed that figure). Grant was close to sealing a deal when the thought of the grind of TV series work made him reconsider and he backed away.

Yes, you read that right. British actor Hugh Grant, all-around posh boy and rom-com A-lister has reportedly been in talks to replace Charlie Sheen in 'Two and a Half Men.'

According to Deadline, the 'Bridget Jones' star first entered the running about a month ago when CBS boss Les Moonves and President Nina Tassler approved him as a candidate.

Warner Bros. Studio execs and 'Men' creator Chuck Lorre have been searching for a way to continue the money-spinning comedy without Sheen, and word is that they're still looking for a solid A-lister.

Deadline reports that after being offered $1 million per episode, Grant was close to signing a deal when he backed out unexpectedly, supposely because he balked at the demanding work schedule of a weekly TV series.